UNC sophomore sensation Erin Matson–the nation’s leading scorer in field hockey entering the top-ranked Tar Heels’ game at No. 21 Albany on Sunday–continued to dominate her opposition, scoring three goals and dishing out an assist in the Tar Heels’ 4-1 victory over the Great Danes.

After Albany (9-5) got on the board first in just the seventh minute of action, Matson responded just over 10 minutes later to tie things up. She then assisted on Yentl Leemans’ second goal of the season, before notching her next goal just before the halftime break.

With UNC ahead 3-1 in the fourth quarter, Matson added her third–and final–goal of the game with less than five minutes to play.

Her knack for finding the back of net proved crucial, as Albany’s 12 shots were only one less than the Tar Heels’ 13.

This was UNC’s second road win in two days after defeating Syracuse on Saturday, and the program’s 35th consecutive victory overall. The Tar Heels are 12-0 this year, after finishing 23-0 last season on the way to the NCAA championship.

“I put us in a tough position by playing back-to-back games on the road without the opportunity to practice first at either venue,” head coach Karen Shelton said afterwards. “Today we had to come from behind – Albany put pressure on us early with a goal and we didn’t lose composure.  It wasn’t our best passing effort, but we were able to get the 3-1 lead at the half and one late to secure the win.”

Up Next:

The Tar Heels return to ACC play in their next game, which is at Wake Forest on Friday at 6 p.m.

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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